Peter Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio bought at auction by heritage coalition

A coalition of heritage organisations has secured the Bernat Klein Studio near Selkirk at auction for £279,000, raising hopes that one of Scotland’s most significant modernist buildings can be brought back into use after more than 20 years of dereliction.

The studio, designed by architect Peter Womersley in 1972, was purpose-built for the textile designer Bernat Klein as a workspace for design, weaving and display. It sits adjacent to High Sunderland, Klein’s home, also designed by Womersley and completed in 1958.

The building had been put up for auction by Savills earlier this month with a guide price of £18,000. Its listing prompted concern among conservationists about the building’s uncertain future, given its long period of vacancy and deteriorating condition. A rapid escalation in bidding resulted in a final sale price more than 15 times the guide.

The studio is listed Category A and has been on Historic Environment Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register since 2002. It has suffered from prolonged neglect, water damage and vandalism. Images of the building show shattered windows, buckled metal panels and visible structural deterioration. Security fencing and razor wire had been installed to prevent unauthorised access.

The successful bid was led by a coalition including the Bernat Klein Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, with backing from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and public donations.

The consortium has stated its intention to restore the building for public use. The design is intended to create a new venue for creative engagement in the Scottish Borders and act as a permanent home for the Bernat Klein Foundation, supporting exhibitions, workshops and talks focused on textiles and architecture.

Alison Harley, chair of the Bernat Klein Foundation, said: ““Buying the building was just the first step in this exciting project. The scale of the repair and restoration required at Peter Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio is extensive and will take many months, the skills of specialists and the support of the many people who have an interest in both Peter Womersley and Bernat Klein’s work. ”

According to the coalition, restoration costs could exceed £3 million. The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust will lead the conservation work. Its director, Samuel Gallacher, said: “The scale of the repair and restoration required at Peter Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio is extensive and will take many months, the skills of specialists and the support of the many people who have an interest in both Peter Womersley and Bernat Klein’s work.”

The first phase will involve stabilisation works and an assessment of the structure, including the flat roof and exposed concrete elements.

Built in concrete, brick and glass, the studio is a distinctive example of late modernist design in Scotland. It was originally designed to provide space for Klein’s creative work and to host visiting clients from fashion houses including Dior and Chanel.

The acquisition marks a key milestone for campaigners who had previously placed the building on the Twentieth Century Society’s risk list. The building’s restoration now depends on securing funding.